Tier IV
[PUBLIC]Robotaxis · HQ: Tokyo, Japan · Est. 2015 · 1 model registered · 6 deployments
As of Sep 2026, DEPLOY verifies Tier IV: 1 model, 6 deployments across 1 region, $373.0M raised, 1 active incident. 1 source back the record.
Ownership
PUBLIC
Capital / Funding
$373M
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
IP / Patents
Undisclosed
Platform Models
1
Audited Incidents
1
Overview
TIER IV is a Japanese deep-tech company and the primary commercial force behind Autoware, the world's first open-source software stack for autonomous driving. Founded in December 2015 by Shinpei Kato, the company builds scalable platforms and delivers end-to-end solutions spanning software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations for Level 4 autonomous mobility. TIER IV has deployed autonomous buses, taxis, and trucks across Japan and internationally, and is a founding member of the Autoware Foundation. Strategic investors include Yamaha Motor, Sony, KDDI, and SOMPO Holdings. Products include Pilot.Auto, Web.Auto, and an automotive-grade autonomous driving kit (ADK).
Safety profile within acceptable range for category. Well-capitalized with $373M raised and recent funding activity. Deployment footprint remains limited relative to category peers.
- PUBLIC
- AV
Key Facts
Safety & Regulatory Posture
1 incident on record (1 minor). Most recent: Jan 2025.
Leadership & Founders
Current Program Leadership & Executives
Founder, Founder & CEO
Chief Technology Officer
CFO
COO
Founding Team
Autoware
Partnerships & Commercial Deployments
Recent Verified Partnerships
- TIER IV x NVIDIA (autonomous driving)Mar 16, 2026
MOST RECENT · TIER IV x NVIDIA (autonomous driving) · 2026-03-16 · with NVIDIA Corporation · OPERATING · TIER IV x JR Central (Capital Alliance) · 2025-12-25 · with Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) · OPERATING · TIER IV x Astemo (E2E autonomous driving) · 2025-07-01 · with Astemo (Hitachi) · JUST ANNOUNCED · TIER IV x Isuzu Motors · 2024-03-06 · with Isuzu Motors Limited · OPERATING · TIER IV x Isuzu x Mitsubishi Fuso (Autonomous Trucks) · 2024-01-01 · with Isuzu Motors · OPERATING
Operator Customers & Fleet Integrators
Platform Models
Deployments
- Autoware at Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan[OPERATIONAL]
Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan · Mar 1, 2024
- Autoware at Higashi-Shinjuku Substation, Tokyo, Japan[PILOT]
Higashi-Shinjuku Substation, Tokyo, Japan · Nov 1, 2024
- Autoware at Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, Japan[PILOT]
Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, Japan · Jan 1, 2020
- Autoware at Japanese Airport (terminal transfer), Japan[PILOT]
Japanese Airport (terminal transfer), Japan · Jun 1, 2024
- Autoware at Shin-Tomei Expressway, Japan[PILOT]
Shin-Tomei Expressway, Japan · Apr 27, 2025
- Autoware at Kumamoto, Japan[PILOT]
Kumamoto, Japan · Mar 21, 2025
Incidents affecting Tier IV
Sectors & Applications
FAQ
What is Tier IV?
TIER IV is a Japanese deep-tech company and the primary commercial force behind Autoware, the world's first open-source software stack for autonomous driving. Founded in December 2015 by Shinpei Kato, the company builds scalable platforms and delivers end-to-end solutions spanning software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations for Level 4 autonomous mobility. TIER IV has deployed autonomous buses, taxis, and trucks across Japan and internationally, and is a founding member of the Autoware Foundation. Strategic investors include Yamaha Motor, Sony, KDDI, and SOMPO Holdings. Products include Pilot.Auto, Web.Auto, and an automotive-grade autonomous driving kit (ADK).
What does Tier IV make?
Tier IV has 1 robot model on the DEPLOY registry: Autoware (Tier IV builds both physical robots and the AI that runs them).
Is Tier IV publicly traded?
Yes. Tier IV is publicly traded on public markets, per the DEPLOY registry.
Who competes with Tier IV?
On the DEPLOY registry, peer companies to Tier IV building in the same form factors include Tesla, Waymo, Aurora Innovation, Nuro.
Who is the CEO of Tier IV?
Shinpei Kato is the ceo of Tier IV, per the DEPLOY registry.
How can I invest in Tier IV?
Tier IV is publicly traded (public markets), so its shares can be bought through any broker.
Where is Tier IV headquartered?
Tier IV is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
How much funding has Tier IV raised?
Tier IV has raised approximately $373M in disclosed funding on record in the DEPLOY registry.
Who owns Tier IV?
Tier IV is publicly held by its shareholders.
Where does Tier IV operate robots?
Tier IV operates 6 verified deployments, including at Higashi-Shinjuku Substation, Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
How many robots has Tier IV deployed?
DEPLOY has 6 verified Tier IV deployments on record at sites including Higashi-Shinjuku Substation, Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. That is a count of distinct field deployments each backed by sourced evidence, not a manufacturer's claimed unit total; it updates as new sites are verified.
Is Tier IV a top robotics company?
On DEPLOY's intelligence score, which blends verified deployments, funding, hiring, media, safety, and IP signals, Tier IV ranks in roughly the top 2% of companies tracked by the registry.
When was Tier IV founded?
Tier IV was founded in 2015.
Are there any incidents involving Tier IV?
1 active incident involving Tier IV is on the DEPLOY registry. Each is a sourced, append-only record; retracted incidents are suppressed from this view.
Is Tier IV safe?
Tier IV has 1 active incident on record in the DEPLOY registry. 1 incident on record (1 minor). Most recent: Jan 2025. Retracted incidents are excluded from this count.